Canyon Streams

There's something about canyon streams that tugs the curiosities of anglers out here in the Southwest. As you walk along the rim looking down to the stream, you see the runs, pocket water, riffles, and you then realize there are trout swimming in those waters. And that's when you begin looking for a way to climb down to the water's edge.

My intrigue with canyon streams, and the Leetle Fellers that call them home, has always worried my wife quite a bit. Well, she's not worried about the streams, but me falling down in a canyon and not able to get out due to injury. That's why she bought a SPOT Messenger for me to keep on my pack, and insists I always take it with me when fishing. I resisted at first, but now appreciate having a way to access help if I ever need an emergency rescue. Accidents certainly can happen in these canyon areas, and we hear about them on the news all the time.

However, one of the benefits of fishing canyon streams is drifting dry flies on waters with little fishing pressure. I no longer climb down into the more risky areas, or the extreme canyons with long, steep climbs for stream access. At my age, there are realities, and I've stepped back from a few of the things I use to do in my younger days. Dang it!!!

However, there are many canyon streams in the Southwest I still venture into! All for the trout, of course...